Ask The Doctor

What is cost of Lasik Surgery?

2012-02-28T13:36:00.002-08:00

Despite the numbers of doctors doing the procedure, the cost of Lasik is still significant. It is considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered by any health insurance plan or Medicare. The cost of Lasik ranges from about $1,200-$2,000 per eye. In most states, the cost of both eyes is between $4,000-$5,000.

Does everyone benefit from Lasik Surgery?

2012-02-28T13:35:00.006-08:00

Lasik is not meant for all individuals. It is an expensive procedure and one must be above 18 to have it done. Even though the eye doctors claim that the procedure is 100% successful, in reality the majority of patients develop 20/40 of better vision. Complications when they do occur are usually permanent.

Can complications occur with Lasik Surgery?

2012-02-28T13:35:00.003-08:00

During the initial recovery period after the surgery, some individuals may complain of visual glares, halos, and tearing. Once the procedure has been done, it is irreversible.

Overall, Lasik is a safe procedure, but about 3-5% of individuals do have nighttime difficulty, blurring, and glare. These side effects do resolve in some individuals but in others, they are permanent. Other rare complications of Lasik include the probability of an infection, temporary need for glasses, additional surgery and a sensation of a dry eye.

How soon do I see the benefits of Lasik surgery?

2012-02-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

After surgery, the improvement in vision is immediate. Even though there are many claims of perfect vision with Lasik, this is not always guaranteed. The majority of individuals do improve their ability to see without glasses. However, if one had a prior refractive error, then the need for some type of glasses may be required. One has to understand that Lasik does not eliminate the need for reading glasses, as one grows older.

What is the recovery like after Lasik surgery?

2012-02-28T13:34:00.008-08:00

The procedure is painless during and after surgery. However, some individuals may complain of a mild scratchy feeling for a day or two. After a few days, the individual can resume all other daily life activities. Even though most patients can return to work within a few days, it is best to wait until the doctor has cleared you and the vision is clear. After the surgery is done, most patients follow up with their eye doctor a few times during the course of the year.

How is Lasik surgery performed?

2012-02-28T13:34:00.005-08:00

Lasik is performed using a microscope with the use of local anesthetic. The procedure involves making a very small cut into the cornea and using the laser rays to reshape the cornea. The cut cornea is then stitched back. The surgery only takes 15-20 minutes for both eyes and one can go home in one hour. Various eye drops are instilled into the eyes for a few days. All patients are asked to wear eye goggles to protect the eye.

Is there any workup required prior to Lasik Surgery?

2012-02-28T13:34:00.002-08:00

Prior to the surgery, one must stop wearing contact lenses for at least 4-6 weeks so that the eye can be properly assessed. A complete eye examination is necessary prior to surgery.

Is Lasik for everyone?

2012-02-28T13:33:00.008-08:00

Despite the media hype, Lasik is not for everyone. The procedure is best for individuals who:

- are between the ages of 18-35

- have no other eye disorder

- have no other major medical disorder

- are realistic

- have a stable eye disorder

Who should not undergo Lasik procedure?

2012-02-28T13:33:00.005-08:00

Lasik is not recommended if one has additional eye problems such as untreated cataracts or glaucoma (high pressure inside the eye). Once the ophthalmologist has assessed your eye, he/she can determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. Lasik is a great treatment for an individual who has mild to moderate farsightness/shortsightness. It does not work well if someone has severe disorder of either disorder.

Who can have LASIK?

2012-02-28T13:33:00.002-08:00

There are some criteria for individuals requiring LASIK. These include:

Minimum age 18
No major medical disorder that may affect outcome
No other eye problem
Stable eye prescription/refraction
Realistic expectations
Must undergo an eye exam and measurement of cornea before surgery

Can LASIK treat astigmatism?

2012-02-28T13:32:00.005-08:00

Astigmatism occurs when the eye shape is oval rather than round. Lasers can treat most levels of astigmatism. The laser does this by removing some corneal tissue and making the eye more round. One other use of Lasik has been the treatment of astigmatism (oval instead of round eye). The laser simply cuts out some corneal tissue and makes it more round.

Can LASIK correct farsightedness?

2012-02-28T13:32:00.002-08:00

In the low to moderate ranges, LASIK is a good treatment for farsightedness. For high or extreme levels of farsightedness, LASIK is generally not a good treatment. Other optic refractive procedures may be required to give better level of correction.

How do I know if I am a candidate for LASIK?

2012-02-28T13:31:00.005-08:00

Before the procedure, one undergoes a complete eye exam to determine if one has nearsighted, farsighted and/or has astigmatism. There must be no additional eyes problems such as untreated cataracts or glaucoma. The exam will provide a detailed analysis of the shape of cornea, pupil and the optics of your eye. It is only then that one can be determine if LASIK is the recommended procedure.

What does LASIK stand for?

2012-02-28T13:31:00.002-08:00

LASIK stands for LASER IN-SITU KERATOMILEUSIS. It is a type of laser surgery that is capable of correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK surgery is a very delicate procedure that requires the use of an excimer laser to remove some corneal tissue from the eyes and reshaping the focusing power of the cornea. By improving the focusing power of the cornea, the vision of the eye is improved.

Do I need to see a doctor if I have twitching of my right eye?

2012-02-26T07:31:00.006-08:00

No, in most cases, the twitching disappears spontaneously. However, in very rare cases the twitching may not go away. If it is associated with weakness of your facial muscles, ear pain, incomplete closure of your eyelid and spasms of your neck, you need to see a neurologist. Anytime there are other symptoms associated with eye twitching, it is safe to see an eye doctor. The eye is not something you want to muck around at home or with herbal treatments. You also want to go to the right doctor. GP won’t do.

I have been told that my eye twitches because of eye dryness. Can this be true?

2012-02-26T07:31:00.003-08:00

Yes, in some cases, excessively dry eye or even a pink eye may cause irritation of the upper eyelid and lead to twitching. Once the dry eye is treated, the twitching disappears

I have frequent right eye twitching. Can this be related to coffee?

2012-02-26T07:30:00.003-08:00

In most cases, no cause of eye twitch is ever found. However, in rare cases the eye twitching has been found to be associated with

a. Excess consumption of caffeine containing beverages

b. AlcoholExcessive fatigue

c. Lack of sleep

d. Physical stress and exhaustion

e. Use of tobacco products

f. Emotional stress

In some cases, eliminating the above cause helps get rid of the eye twitching

What is the cause of eye twitching?

2012-02-26T07:29:00.009-08:00

No one knows. I guess bad luck is as good an answer as any. Anyone can develop eye twitching and one does not need to be sick.

Is eye twitching harmful?

2012-02-26T07:29:00.006-08:00

No, in general, it is a harmless disorder. However, in rare cases, it may also be associated with twitching of the facial muscles. In such cases, you need to be seen by a neurologist. Do not go to a general physician-these MDs do not known the mouth from the backside.

How long does eye twitching last?

2012-02-26T07:29:00.003-08:00

It is very variable. In some individuals it comes and goes every few days and in others it comes on every few months. The eye twitches are harmless and not painful. The eye twitching often disappears spontaneously.

My right eye seems to twitch every now and then. I find this uncomfortable and embarrassing. What is the cause?

2012-02-26T07:29:00.000-08:00

What you describe is known as blepharospasm. This is an involuntary twitching of the eye, which occurs every few seconds and may last a few minutes. In most cases, the eyelid partially closes but in rare cases, the spasm may be strong and completely closes your eye.

I have a red eye. Do I need to use any type of drops?

2012-02-26T07:28:00.005-08:00

If you feel nothing, leave the eye alone. For those who feel a scratchy sensation, you may want to apply saline eye drops. These can be bought over the counter from any pharmacy. That is all. Give it 10-14 days and you will be back to normal.

What type of tests will my doctor order for a red eye?

2012-02-26T07:28:00.002-08:00

If he/she is honest- not much. However, he/she may measure your blood pressure and check your visual acuity. If these are fine, you do not need anything. You do not need any blood work or x-rays. If your doctor orders any other tests, you need a new doctor.

I have a blood shot eye. Is there any thing I can do about it?

2012-02-26T07:27:00.008-08:00

There is no treatment for a blood shot eye. However, if you feel self-conscious, wear dark glasses or stay at home for a few days. Do not muck around with any medications or herbs, they will only make it worse. Just rest and do not rub your eyes. Should take a few days to resolve.

I just had a baby and noticed that his eyes were blood shot. Do you think this is serious?

2012-02-26T07:27:00.005-08:00

No, blood shot eyes or subconjunctival hemorrhage is quite common in newborn babies. The reason is that the baby's head is subjected to intense pressure during passage through the pelvic canal. This is only a transient thing and will resolve in a few days. You do not need to put any drops or medications.